A selection of Dragonflies

Another set of photos of another favourite subject. Awesome creatures. All of these are shot with the K3, DA 150-450 Combo

4 Spot Chaser (such a stunning colour)




Keeled Skimmer (F)




Keeled Skimmer (M)




Black Tailed Skimmer




Same image, cropped in as far as possible, just to show how sharp this lens is.




Downy Emerald




Norfolk Hawker ( A rare beast, confined to 2 small areas of the UK)




Norfolk Hawker in flight...

Just came across a couple of dragonflies over a large puddle, only had the 24-70 lens on but when they cheekily hovered a few inches in front of the lens I tried a few shots. On every one they zipped off as I pressed the shutter! So, great respect for your outstanding images, well done. What focus do you use? Manual, tracking or spot?

Thanks. Single centre point focus and AFS for the static shots, AFC for in flight. Handheld for all of these shots too. In flight is tough on many Dragonflies, only Hawkers hover in one spot for any length of time.
I also solely use back button focus too, as it helps when tracking.

Having tried to catch dragonflies in flight, I'm very impressed!

Phil

Another wonderful set. Butterflies and now dragonflies, 2 of my favourite summer insects to watch and photograph. Thursley common is where I go for Downy Emeralds and Keeled skimmer but I didn't make it there this year so have missed seeing them. Well done on finding a resting Downy, I've only ever seen them flying. I did manage to get to see some norfolk hawkers and I always look forward to that, the eyes contrasting with the body colour is great to see.
Have you ever had/used the DA*300 on the K3? If so how does it compare to your 150-450 for flight shots?

Thanks. The Keeled Skimmers here were taken at Thursley, one of the best places I've ever been for Dragonflies. The resting Downy was pure luck, it literally just landed next to me, so I quickly grabbed as many shots as I could! It is rare to see them settle. I've not ever owned the 300, though I've been tempted to buy a used one, but I suspect it would be more manageable than the zoom. I don't think IQ would be better though, so I'm unlikely to buy one. All I'm really missing is a mid ranger, so I'm considering the 55 - 300 PLM.
We clearly tread the same ground by the way, I'll assume you go to Stodmarsh for the Norfolk?

Wonderful set. Not seen as many as I'd liked this neck of the woods as it's been so wet. 😔

I've not been to Stodmarsh, I tend to go to Strumshaw Fen or Hickling broad in Norfolk for the double whammy of Norfolk Hawker and Swallowtail butterflies, well that's always the plan, but nature doesn't always follow it!
I wouldn't recommend the DA*300 for the flight shots, along with the K3 it's a bit frustrating, great quality and close focus for the statics though. I was interested in how the 150-450 performed in comparison hence the question. I've added a Tamron 150-600 to my 'other' Canon kit and am slowly getting used to carrying a 2Kg lens, so the 150-450 doesn't feel quite as daunting! Still not my preferred solution though. Perhaps a fast focusing version of the DA* would be perfect in the future.

All great shots, and all of species I've yet to see!
TFS

Ahh Strumshaw is on our hit list for next year, as I want to photograph the Swallowtails. Stodmarsh is the only place outside of Norfolk for these Hawkers. I can definitely recommend the 150 - 450, but it's cost has spiralled. I was lucky to get £500 off by being a cheeky bugger, otherwise I'd still be using a Sigma 120 - 400 or maybe 50 - 500. I do wish Tamron or Sigma would make the 150 - 600 in Pentax fit.
Ultimately I want the old 200 - 600 or 600 f4. Maybe when I retire...